Running from 12 to 21 September, the London Design Festival encompasses the UK capital’s major trade shows, offering emerging and established exhibitors from the UK and around the world an opportunity to debut their designs and present their products and innovations to new markets. These “Design Destinations” include 100% Design, Decorex International, designjunction, Focus/14 and Tent London & Super Brands London.
Since its inception 12 years ago, the festival has also nurtured an increasing number of “Design Districts”: areas of the city with a concentration of design expertise, retail outlets and creative enterprise. This year there will be six districts: Brompton, Chelsea, Clerkenwell, Islington, Queens Park and Shoreditch. Each of the areas, variously known as quarters, triangles and districts, will organise a programme of exhibitions, events and open studios, as well as retail and community engagement, in addition to late night openings, parties and events on specific days and nights during the festival.
www.londondesignfestival.com/design-destinations
Interior and design show Decorex International (21-24 September) is marking the 300th anniversary of the Georgians by embracing the era as the theme for this year’s event. Noting that the exhibition is “far from a retrospective”, Decorex is inviting visitors to explore the “many parallels between the Georgians and today’s savvy consumer by embarking on a journey of discovery”.
The show’s features and activities during the four days will focus on how the Georgians shaped modern Britain, with highlights including a spectacular entrance in association with the Sir John Soane museum and inspired by Hogarth’s “A Rake’s Progress” series of paintings”. Re-interpreted and curated by leading exhibitors and designers, eight “inspiring and imaginative scenes” will guide visitors into the show. In true Georgian tradition, visitors will also be able to indulge in fine refreshments at the Champagne Bar. The new Syon Park location is known for its fine interiors designed by Georgian architect Robert Adam, and landscaped gardens by Capability Brown.
Described as “the biggest design event in the UK”, the 20th edition of 100% Design returns to Earls Court from September 17 to 20, as the only event during this year’s London Design Festival with a section dedicated to design innovation within the working environment. The show will include a range of leading names exhibiting in 100% Workplace, including a specially commissioned installation – entitled iAlter – by international architecture and design practice NBBJ.
According to show director William Knight, “Workplace design is a key area that has seen a growing demand in recent years. This very much reflects the way we work now – an office is no longer just a place where people work, it is also a hub where we exchange ideas and inspire each other.”
